Friday 26 September 2014

First Look : Proton Iris

After all that teasing, Proton finally released their trump card for smaller size vehicles. Nicknamed, Proton Compact Car (PCC) the Proton Iriz falls under B-segment, competing with the Suzuki Swift, Ford Fiesta, VW Polo,  but a price tag that only differs slightly of the Perodua Myvi.

Unveiled officially at Proton Tanjung Malim Plant in Perak, the Iriz claims itself as the most affordable B-Segment Hothatch. It was unveiled by YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Chairman of PROTON,  accompanied by its CEO Dato Abdul Harith Abdullah.

I didn't get to go to the launch or catch the live stream, but I did managed to lay my hands on one at a showroom nearby and get my insights on this beauty.


Well, the front of the Iriz is definitely a winner. Somehow reminds me of the Fiesta, but not so much either. Simple, not feminine or cheeky suiting for both males and females.

Opening the bonnet, I couldn't help but to notice the engine has good room to breath and not compressed in like most cars of the size. Giving me wicked ideas, like you know.....*cough*turbo*cough*charge.

The back of the Iriz, is erm, okay? I wouldn't say it's the best of what I've seen or ugliest face even the mother wouldn't love. It's pretty much alright. Looking closer to Myvi, but with a lower, wider grin and sharper cuts.

Now the interior is something I looked forward to. After all the regular bashing Proton takes from critics on its plastic cheap interiors, be assured that the Iriz will definitely wow you on the part. Still plastic yes, what else would you expect for the price tag? But cheap it is not. The interior feel is pretty solid, a true comparison worthy with its B-Segment rivals.

The space in the car also seated 5 adults comfortably without having to squeeze our long legs.Then we decided get a bit more Malaysian and squeezed in one more.6 grown man, from 22-26 of age in one small vehicle seated comfortable enough for that drive back to Kampung. Few car of its segment can do that. As we sat there and talked about the car we noticed, the car didn't get lower.... it supported our weight comfortably. Just nice.

The technology, easy interior, and safety features sets this car way ahead of its obvious rival. You wouldn't get the amount this car is offering anywhere else, no shit. The car already boasts 5 star NCAP safety rating and VVT engine that promises better torque and power with fuel efficiency.
  • Drive Comfort
    • Keyless Entry with Push Start (1.6L Premium only)
    • Rear View Camera (1.6L only)
    • Touch Screen Infotainment (1.6L only)
    • Electric Power Steering
    • Auto-Fold Side Mirror (1.6L Premium only)
    • 10 compartments 
    • 7 cupholders 
    • 3 USB Ports
  • Safety Features:
    • Traction Control System
    • Brake Assist
    • Hill-Hold Assist
    • Electronic Stability Control
    • Anti-Lock Braking System
    • Impact Sensing Door Unlock (1.6L Premium only)
    • Whiplash Protection
    • 6 airbags (1.6L Premium only)

The 215l booth space is a lot bigger than most of the competitors. We managed to fit our colleague in it and let him take his nap comfortably, well only a while.

Now I know critics are going to go head over toes on the quality and dependability of Proton based on all the bad car models they've seen, but let's face it, they've been doing so much better recently and Iriz might be the game changer if given the room. For what I've seen, felt and understood, this is a car that I would really consider if I'm a first car buyer, probably with no regrets. There isn't a sense of disappointment at all, but then the drive of the vehicle is yet to be to known. If I were to get my hands one, I only can imagine getting a nice skirt, wider rims, painting it matte black with yellow stripes and supercharging it to make the meanest beast out of this beauty. Well, that's just me.

Proton Iriz 1.3L 2014
Displacement: 1332cc
Bore & Stroke: 76.0 x 73.4
Compression Ratio: 10
Maximum Power: 70kW @ 5 750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 120Nm @ 4 000 rpm
Transmission: 5MT/ CVT
Top Speed (estimated): 160-165 km/h

Proton Iriz 1.6L 2014
Displacement: 1597cc
Bore & Stroke: 76.0 x 88.0
Compression Ratio: 10
Maximum Power: 80kW @ 5 750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 150Nm @ 4 000 rpm
Transmission: 5MT/ CVT
Top Speed (estimated): 170-175 km/h
 Sorry for the tilted price list. Not sure why it turned up that way.





Friday 19 September 2014

Drive: Honda CRV 2014

There are many reasons to fall in love with the Honda CR-V. Yeah it looks great, fits your family and it’s a Honda. But then every time you look at this beauty, there’s always something telling you that there’s more to the CR-V than meets the eye.


 Over one weekend, Matthew and I decided to test not just one, but both the 2.0L and 2.4L CR-Vs. Back when I was a teen, the Honda CR-V captured me with its aggressive, rugged appearance which I thought resembled a “wolf.” However, the latest, fourth generation CR-V wasn't quite like the wild animal its predecessors appeared to be. Up close, the beast seemed to have settled for an exterior that is much sleeker, elegant, and sexy compared to before. The obvious difference is the front lamp which now has a more feminine touch to it.

Stepping inside the Honda CR-V was a pleasure itself. Unlike most cars that complicate you with buttons, the Honda CR-V’s interior is much more user friendly. You won’t be asking yourself, “What does this button do?” Everything is neatly in place and it does so perfectly that it makes you acclimatise almost instantaneously. Abit of dissapointement though, the 2.0L could've been given and LCD touch screen and bit of a less plastic interior.
.


 For the 2.4L variant, you will enjoy loads of tech features - leather seats and side curtain airbags, just to name a few. But the 2.0L wasn't lacking of anything less important either. The 2.0L drove well both on normal highways and off road. So if you're just a everyday calm driver, the extra 400cc wouldn't make much difference.


Where would you bring a sexy suave beauty who looks perfect for your everyday drive yet earning for a little adventure? For a trip of course! It was a hot season, so we decided to drive our two beauties to a nearby waterfall, along the Karak highway.

SPEC SHEET:

CR-V 2.0 (2014)
Engine:  SOHC 4 Cylinder 16 Valve i-VTEC
Displacement: 1997cc
Bore & Stroke: 81.0 x 96.9
Compression Ratio: 10.6:1
Maximum Power: 114kW (155PS) @6 500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 190Nm @ 4 300 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Top Speed (estimated): 180 km/h
Price (w/o insurance) : RM 144 763.50



We left early in the morning, in a perfect environment one could ask for. Calm weather, clear traffic and off and on, we were accompanied by convoys of bikers. Being someone who is used to driving small vehicles, I was quite doubtful wether I could handle the CR-V well. But surprising enough, I got used to the CR-V quite well that on my second day with the car. It handled pretty well. Both the 2.4 and the 2.0 liter had no problem dominating the roads. The powertrain was quite responsive without unneeded downshifts; keeping things very quiet while we cruised at different speeds. The electrical steering was adequately responsive, giving us an overall well balanced drive and handling. The CR-V proved that it was ready to deal with whatever was thrown at it. Over taking other vehicles was a breeze, be it the 2.4 or 2.0 variant. If you switch the eco mode on, you can easily notice that the engine revs much softly than it did before. The drive turns fuel economical, slightly lesser fun than it was before, but suitable for those looking to save a little extra in your wallet and the environment.


After about 40 minutes on the highway, we entered into a scheduled village... or forest? I’m not sure. Every where I turned was just tall glasses and abandoned houses.

 It took us quite a long drive before we realised we are in the wrong village. Being Malaysians, asking directions was the last on the list. We tried to test our luck again by getting back on the highway and into another village that wasn't far behind. Luckily this time, it was the right village and wasn't as creepy as the last one. The road throughout the village fits only one car, which had me wondering how do the villagers drive around? I did see cars parked in their houses.

Now we didn't just want to drive our cars to the waterfall, we wanted to drive into it! When we arrived though, the steep, slippery muddy way down to the falls gave us second thoughts about it. But since it's the CR-V, it’s time we put that name to the test.


We took turns to drive down to the waterfall. It was a pretty scary drive down. I didn't even have to step on the pedal. The car just slipped it’s way through the mud while I carefully controlled the brakes and steering, hoping the car doesn't slip and fall off the cliff. A bit too much to the right, I would be crashing on to the hills, and too much to the left, I would be free falling in my car. Ahh, the fun of just thinking about it.

Well, we made it! All the challenge for one reason only. We wanted a photo-shoot no one ever did before. For that, we knew it in our hearts that the CR-V is the perfect beast for this challenge.


After soaking our feet in the chilling falls and snapping some shots, we mingled with the locals who were taking a dip there. They were impressed how the Honda CR-V made it passed the steep track, which they explained was usually traveled by foot or bikes.

Only after our chilling session we realised that the real challenge was just beginning. It’s time to go back up the slippery track with our 1.5 tonne beasts. Since I was in the 2.0, my biggest fear is that the power wouldn't be enough to battle my way back up. But the CR-V didn't fail me. Although the tires did slip several times, the engine packed enough punch to keep us moving. Sensing the challenge, the beast under the hood just pounced aggressively, battling its way up. I wouldn't say it was easily done, but I don’t think most cars could have delivered that much confidence the CR-V did that day.

I couldn't be more in love with the CR-V than I was ever was after the experience. Our drive back home was back to being calm and quiet. Surprising how just a moment ago the Honda CR-V was battling the muddy terrain like a hungry beast and now it’s back being all humble and quiet.

The Honda CR-V proved is self to be more than a beauty that catches the eyes. Beneath that sexy exterior there is an aggressive beast waiting for a challenge. Besides packing a favor for the tech-savvy commuters, the Honda CR-V also delivers ample of space for families to sit comfortably. And the fact it’s an all wheel drive that doesn't burn a hole through your wallet is also a reason you want to put this beauty in your compact-SUV list. If you ask me though, the car would've been much perfect with more gadgets in it, as its competitors are packing a pretty good value at the same price of the CR-V. I did have problem of not having a reverse sensor and fully relying on the reverse camera. It wasn't easy to park during the rain. I thought only my car had no reverse sensor, but it was also the same with Matt's 2.4L. Ride quality? this is HONDA, it delivers.


SPEC SHEET:

CR-V 2.4 (2014)
Engine:  DOHC 4 Cylinder 16 Valve i-VTEC
Displacement: 2354cc
Bore & Stroke: 87.0 x 99.0
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Maximum Power: 140kW (190PS) @7 000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 222Nm @ 4 400 rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shift
Top Speed (estimated): 190 km/h
Price (w/o insurance) : RM 165 187.60



Tuesday 16 September 2014

First Look: KTM RC200 and RC390



After the super long wait, the KTM RC200 & RC390 finally made it to the Malaysian shores...yes, THEY'RE HERE!

The RCs, are more like a reverse twin siblings of the Dukes, having everything similar except for the looks and ergonomics. As it looks, the RCs derived 100% supersports styling, making them a breed made for the tracks. 

Most would argue about the size of RCs to seem small, and the front to be "alien-ish" or weird. This was the comments I've gathered from friends and others who've seen the RC200 and the RC390 on pictures and videos. Even I had the opinion. But all these flew away as soon as I saw the bike live in person. Seriously, it seems like the RCs have one thing very common with the Dukes. They both aren't really photogenic. In person, this bike looks stunning, medium sized and the front lamp is actually very, very, veeeeeeeeeeery sexy. Trust me on this. You have to really see this bike before you can say you don't like the looks, because I swear, you would love it. Sharp design with aggressive styling spells nothing but S.E.X.Y. Although the bike looks big, once seated on it, the RC fits nicely to your Asian size body, maybe due to the beautiful seating posture. It is also very light, just like the brother Duke.

Both the RC200 and the  RC390 comes with dual projector headlamps clear lens turn indicators, aluminium swing-arm, clip-on adjustable handlebars, orange coloured alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, under belly exhaust, fully digital instrument console and forged disc brakes. The RC390 comes with ABS while the RC200 doesn't.

Sadly, I didn't stick around to test the RC390 which they had for us, but managed to ask a fellow friend on it. According to him, the ergonomics of the bike gives it a better handling pleasure to the Duke, but everything else was pretty much similar.


The most attractive package of the bike is the price tag, Despite the looks and the brand, you'd expect the RC brothers to burn a little hole in your pocket. BUT, these fellas decided to give their competitors a run for value. Tagged only at RM 16 888 for the RC200 and RM 27 500 for the RC390, (both base price) you can expect me to get either one soon. The bikes will be available at KTM CKD's authorised dealers by early or middle of next month, however it seems they've been already receiving early bookings in a positive demand.



                                                                             Lil' champ says "LET ME AT IT!"


SPEC SHEET:

RC200
Engine: Four-stroke Single 
Displacement: 199.5cc 
Power: 26 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Top Speed (estimated): T.B.C 
Compression: 11.5:1 
Transmission: Six-gear 
Fuel Capacity: 10 litres 
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch 
ABS: None 
Weight (dry): 137.5 kg
Price (base): RM 16 888





SPEC SHEET:

RC390
Engine: Four-stroke Single 
Displacement: 373.2cc 
Power: 44 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Top Speed (estimated): 175-179 km/h 
Compression: 11.5:1 
Transmission: Six-gear 
Fuel Capacity: 10 litres 
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch 
Front Brake: Four piston, radial-mount caliper, 300mm disc 
Rear Brake: Single piston, floating caliper, 230mm disc 
ABS: Equipped
Weight (dry): 147 kg
Price (base): RM 27 500


Before it ended, the medias were given a gift from KTM Malaysia CKD, a lovely KTM riding jacket! WOOOTS! I got my hands on one!! THANK YOU KTM MALAYSIA CKD!

Friday 12 September 2014

First Look: Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4


After all the teasers with the private viewing of the new sexy bull in the ally since early this year, JH Italia Sdn Bhd finally decided to unleash their machine to the media on August 23rd 2014. Yes, the Lamborghini Huracán (pronounced "who-ra-kan") is finally here. The name itself is a personal favorite, "Huracán" which means Hurricane in Spanish. I love the name "Hurricane" due to boxer, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and a favorite song from Scorpions "Rock you like a Hurricane". But this bull's name was inspired inspired by a Spanish fighting bull, just like the brothers before this. The bull,  a Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed that is known to be incredibly courageous and aggressive fought back in 1879.  Huracán is also the name of the Mayan god of elements. Now you just had a quick history lesson.

Walking into Marble 8, I couldn't help noticing the setting of the whole place was as if the whole place was made for Lamborghini. I'm still wondering if it's actually an exclusive place for Lamborghini owners, or the owner also happens to be a Taurus or was it just extremely well set for the launch. Help me on this guys.



Unveiling of the "Baby Bull"
Now that's just sexy



For those of you who didn't know, The Huracán replaces the ever Gallardo LP 560-4, and a worthy replacement indeed. Bringing forward the same 5.2-litre V10 engine but tuned to produce 610 horses at 8250 rpm and 560 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. Jizz indeed.

Interior vise, the car is a just stunning, obviously since you'll be paying about RM 2.1 mil (est. with duties) for this bull. Everything I saw in there gave me a boner.



 What does that red button do? Well that red swith toggles the driving mode in Strada (normal) and Corsa (track). Each changes the way the car behaves from gearbox, engine, exhaust sounds, four wheel drive system as well as the ESC. Corsa's sound though might scare away any nightmares you have.

The Lamborghini Huracán also claims fuel efficiency at 12.5l/ 100km, but with a car like this, no one gives a damn about fuel.

So here's a quick stats that you would want to know:

0-100km/h : 3.2 secs
0-200km/h : 9.9 secs
Top speed : 325 km/h
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Before I end, like everything else, here's a shameless selfie with my brotha from another motha and that raging bull that runs on tracks instead of farms. Cheers.